Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to install a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially useful when your cat is inside in all weathers while you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and back.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be, and also to ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. In general, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit includes the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident using the use of a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open for it all day (and possibly in any weather).
Repair My Windows And Doors is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that shows you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one on your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are very helpful when you're worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.